Whiplash injuries typically occur in motor collisions in a parked vehicle is beaten from behind by another vehicle. Injury occurs when the impact of the collision your vehicle suddenly pushed forward and force the neck to cause pull back (or forward) in a violent movement. This causes soft tissue damage neck and also cause damage to surrounding nerves.
Typically, the onset of symptoms may take between 6-12 hours in fact the stiffness is often worse the next day and can progressively worsen in the following. Commonly whiplash victims have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Neck / upper back pain and stiffness
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Swelling and / or neck pain
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Most people recover completely within a few weeks, some people may experience some symptoms for several months. In the most serious (and fortunately nerve damage rarer) cases the symptoms may be more chronic and particularly where a victim may have long-term symptoms. This is known as "whiplash syndrome".
Treatment for whiplash may vary depending on the extent of damage and symptoms presented, but may include:
- Apply an ice pack on the affected area as soon as possible to reduce swelling
- Within 24 hours after injury painful muscle spasms can be relieved by alternating cold packs with heat treatments
- Installation of a cervical collar to prevent movement of the neck, while it is healing
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (eg aspirin or ibuprofen)
- Strong painkillers such as codeine may be prescribed depending on the severity of symptoms
In a report published in 2008, the Association of British Insurers estimated that over 432,000 people make a whiplash claim each year, which equates to one in every 140 of population.
Many people are discouraged to claim compensation after suffering a real whiplash injuries because they may feel that are fueling the idea of a "compensation culture". This should not deter genuine victims from making a claim for compensation of which many are suffering from symptoms for many months after and incur a considerable financial burden incurred from missing work, attend treatment, etc.
Victims of whiplash injury should seek the advice of a legal professional who can advise on the merits of your case. = "_blank"> www.startclaims.co.uk goal of specializing in connecting victims of whiplash lawyers who have considerable experience in cases of whiplash.
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